Dow centre opportunities

Future Fuels PhD Scholarships

Work with leading researchers at the UQ Dow Centre developing new ways of producing low cost hydrogen without CO2, while contributing to collaborative research projects of national and international significance.

These scholarships are valued at $27,596 per annum tax-free (2019 rate), indexed annually, for three years with the possibility of two 6-month extensions in approved circumstances. To learn more and apply, visit the UQ Scholarships website.

Rapid Switch PhD Scholarships

In 2020, the UQ Dow Centre will be accepting applications from prospective PhD candidates to contribute to the international Rapid Switch project. Successful applicants will contribute to multi-disciplinary research projects that seek to identify, anticipate and communicate industrial, regulatory and social bottlenecks and constraints that might impact the pace of decarbonisation of the global economy.

The intended impact of this research is better-informed public policy and private investment decision-making. Successful applicants will also become part of an international collaboration led by The University of Queensland and Princeton University (USA), with other partners in the USA, India, China and Europe. For more information, please contact Associate Professor Simon Smart

Electro-Mobility PhD Scholarships

Continuing growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption has increased interest in using these “batteries-on-wheels” to affordably store sustainable energy, provide demand response (V1G), and export excess energy back to the grid using vehicle-to-grid (V2G) infrastructure.

In order capitalise on this significant opportunity, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to assist in the delivery of an industry-focussed project, which will investigate consumer preferences towards EVs, the charging behaviour of current EV owners, together with consumers' willingness to use EVs to provide energy services, such as V1G/V2G. The candidate will also be required to support the deployment of a real-world pilot of smart charging technology with the project’s industry partners. They will also assist in the development of a spatial uptake model of electric vehicles, which will outline not only how many EVs there may be under different future scenarios, but importantly, where these EVs are located.

This project is funded by an Advance Queensland grant, and will be delivered as part of an industry collaboration between the UQ Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation; School of Civil Engineering; Tritium; Evie Networks; Mitsubishi Motors Australia; and Veitch Lister Consulting. As an industry-focussed project, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to work closely with these industry partners, and have the option of being based part-time at their offices. The candidate will be based at the UQ Dow Centre, and will also work closely within the Transport Engineering and Planning group at UQ’s School of Civil Engineering.

The PhD candidate will also have the opportunity to spend part of their candidature overseas at a partner research institution, with travel support provided – subject to approval by the principal supervisor and partner institution. A background in engineering or economics would be of benefit to someone working on this project. Experience and interest in the following areas is an advantage: electric vehicles, energy systems, transport engineering and planning, econometrics/economics, discrete choice modelling, survey development and analysis, statistics.

*The successful candidate must commence by Research Quarter 1, 2021. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date. International applicants may need to apply much earlier for visa reasons. For more information, please contact Dr Jake Whitehead

Other PhD Scholarships

UQ Grant-aligned Priority PhD scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Government to provide financial assistance to students during completion of a PhD. Scholarships are offered for 120+ projects which are aligned with recently awarded project grants.

The scholarship provides a living stipend of $27,596 per annum (2019 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). To learn more and apply, visit the Grant-aligned Priority PhD Scholarships website.

Barry Murphy Scholarship in Nuclear Energy

Through the generous support of UQ Alumnus Barry Murphy, EAIT has established the Barry Murphy Scholarship in Nuclear Energy. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage and support meritorious engineering students to undertake a semester of international exchange to further their interests and studies in nuclear engineering.

Applications are open to UQ undergraduate students studying a Bachelor of Engineering in any field associated with chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical or mining engineering disciplines. For more information visit the Barry Murphy Scholarships in Nuclear Energy website.

Summer and Winter Research Scholarships (Undergraduate)

The UQ Summer and Winter Research Program provides UQ students with an opportunity to gain research experience working alongside UQ Dow Centre researchers. Participation is open to undergraduate (including honours) and masters by coursework students who are currently enrolled at UQ.

Summer and Winter Research Scholars will receive a scholarship equivalent to $360 per week for a minimum of six (6) weeks. To learn more and apply, visit the UQ Summer and Winter Research Program website.

Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award (SISCA)

The UQ Dow Centre SISCA competition is an opportunity for all innovators, game-changers and entrepreneurs who want to make a positive impact on global sustainability. Learn about previous competition winners on the SISCA website.

The UQ Dow Centre also supports the UQ Ventures Program, a comprehensive suite of structured entrepreneurship programs connecting students, staff and alumni with learning and mentoring opportunities, hackathons, competitions and events.

The UQ Dow Centre may support workshops and events that seek to support thought leadership and innovation in the sustainable production and use of energy and materials. This can be either by way of a financial donation or an in-kind contribution (for example by providing suitable space within our Centre).

For information on how to apply for funding, please contact dowcentre@uq.edu.au.